Lima holidays
Lima holidays at a glance
Lima is often the first stop on a Peru holiday, but it deserves far more than a brief overnight stay. Founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro, the city became one of the most important centres of the Spanish Empire in South America, and it remains Peru’s political, cultural and economic heart today.
The historic centre shows off magnificent colonial churches, convents and public buildings that reflect Lima’s long history. Grand plazas, ornate balconies and impressive architecture give a fascinating window into Peru’s colonial past.
At the same time, modern districts like Miraflores and Barranco reveal a more contemporary side of the city. Coastal parks overlook the Pacific Ocean, while galleries, cafés and restaurants add to Lima’s energetic atmosphere.
Perhaps most famously, Lima has earned international recognition as one of the world’s great food capitals. Drawing on influences from across Peru and around the globe, the city’s restaurants have helped turn Peruvian cuisine into a genuine global phenomenon.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Lima
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Lima surprises people. Between the extraordinary food, fascinating history and dramatic coastal location, it’s become one of the most enjoyable city destinations in Latin America.
When to visit Lima
Lima can be enjoyed throughout the year, although conditions vary between seasons. Unlike many parts of the Andes, Lima’s attractions are largely unaffected by seasonal weather, making it a rewarding destination year-round.
This is summer holiday season in Lima; the city enjoys warm sunny days and limeños take advantage with trips to the beach and al fresco dining.
Pleasant temperatures and sunshine persist; there may be odd bits of cloud or early morning fog on cooler days.
May marks the transition to the cooler, cloudier, more humid months. A cold Pacific current puts the kibosh on the tropical climate you might expect and a chilly mist (garúa) hovers over the city from May to October.
These are amongst the coolest months of the year; temperatures are relatively mild and rain unlikely, but days are largely cloudy and the ever present mist can deposit moisture on the ground.
Days remain temperate, but the cloud and mist can give the air a chilly feel, particularly in the early mornings.
November sees temperatures increase, burning off the mist and marking the welcome return of the sun. Summer builds throughout December.
Top Things to do in Lima
Lima combines history, gastronomy, culture and coastal scenery, offering experiences that feel very different from the archaeological and Andean attractions you’ll find elsewhere in Peru.
Experience the capital’s world-class cuisine for yourself on this introduction to Peruvian food and drink, from ceviche and anticuchos to the potent Pisco Sour cocktail.
Experience the authentic modern-day life of the Peruvian capital, venturing well beyond the usual tourist haunts.
Explore Lima on foot to uncover pre-Inca temples, colonial plazas and sweeping Pacific views.
Accommodation in Lima
Accommodation here ranges from luxury international hotels and elegant boutique properties to comfortable city-centre options. Many of our travellers choose to stay in Miraflores or Barranco, where restaurants, shops and coastal attractions are all close at hand.
Ideally located converted mansion with plenty of character, typified by its quirky collection of art, antiques and curios.
The Belmond Miraflores Park is an outstanding first class property promising style, class and quality right down to the very last detail.
Attractive, contemporary hotel with comprehensive facilities: a beacon of luxury and excellence in the heart of Lima’s lively Miraflores.
Comprehensive airport hotel a few steps from the terminal in Lima.
Welcoming modern hotel in a quiet yet central location, offering a good range of services and facilities.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Holidays to Lima
Group Lima Tours
Our group tours follow expertly designed, well-planned routes with an experienced local guide throughout. Prefer to keep it to your own party? Book the same trips privately for four or more.
Andean Flamingo: Andes laid bare
Places visited: Lima · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side · Lake Titicaca – Bolivian side · La Paz and the altiplano · Uyuni salt flats · Atacama Desert · Santiago and the vineyards
17 days from £5,636
Condor: Peru in depth
Places visited: Lima · Arequipa and Colca Canyon · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side · Lake Titicaca – Bolivian side · La Paz and the altiplano · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · The Peruvian Amazon (south)
20 days from £3,851
Galapagos Hawk: Peru and Galapagos
Places visited: Lima · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side · Guayaquil
15 days from £7,009
Hummingbird: Ocean to ocean
Places visited: Rio de Janeiro · Iguazu Falls – Brazilian Side · Iguazu Falls – Argentinian side · Buenos Aires · Sucre and Potosi · La Paz and the altiplano · Lake Titicaca – Bolivian side · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · Lima
21 days from £5,861
Jacana: Crossing the continent
Places visited: Lima · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side · Lake Titicaca – Bolivian side · La Paz and the altiplano · Asuncion and the heartland · Iguazu Falls – Argentinian side · Iguazu Falls – Brazilian Side · Rio de Janeiro
19 days from £4,583
Pato Andino: Panorama of the Andes
Places visited: Buenos Aires · Salta · Atacama Desert · Uyuni salt flats · La Paz and the altiplano · Lake Titicaca – Bolivian side · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · Lima
20 days from £5,222
Pelicano: Essential Peru
Places visited: Lima · Arequipa and Colca Canyon · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu
14 days from £4,087
Swift: Ultimate highlights of Peru
Places visited: Lima · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side
10 days from £2,790
Tico Tico: Culture of the Northern Andes
Places visited: Lima · Northern Peru
15 days from £3,253
Tailor-Made Lima Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
A Taste of Peru
Places visited: Lima · Paracas, Ica and Nazca · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · Cusco
12 days from £4,470
Active Peru and Bolivia: trekking Andean peaks to tropical rainforest
Places visited: Lima · Cusco · Machu Picchu · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side · La Paz and the altiplano
17 days from £4,140
Active Peru: The Santa Cruz Trek
Places visited: Lima · Northern Peru
10 days from £3,150
Active Peru: Cycling, rafting and the Inca Trail
Places visited: Lima · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu
12 days from £3,500
Active Peru: The Ausangate Trek
Places visited: Lima · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu
11 days from £2,920
From Paddington to Peru
Places visited: Cusco · Lima · Machu Picchu · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Northern Peru
14 days from £4,050
Luxury Peru and Galapagos: Machu Picchu and the Enchanted Islands
Places visited: Lima · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · Cusco · Quito
14 days from £10,310
Luxury Peru: Andes to Amazon
Places visited: Lima · Cusco · Machu Picchu · The Peruvian Amazon (north)
13 days from £9,880
Peru by Rail
Places visited: Lima · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · Cusco · Arequipa and Colca Canyon
11 days from £10,420
Peru Odyssey – 21 Days of Discovery
Places visited: Lima · Paracas, Ica and Nazca · Arequipa and Colca Canyon · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · The Peruvian Amazon (south)
21 days from £6,230
Peru: Beyond the Sacred Valley with the Lares Adventure
Places visited: Lima · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu
11 days from £4,470
Signature Andes: Highlands of Peru, Bolivia and Chile
Places visited: Lima · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · Cusco · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side · Lake Titicaca – Bolivian side · La Paz and the altiplano · Uyuni salt flats · Atacama Desert · Santiago and the vineyards
16 days from £5,510
Signature Peru and Brazil: Machu Picchu and Rio de Janeiro
Places visited: Lima · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · Rio de Janeiro
12 days from £4,240
Signature Peru and Chile: Machu Picchu and Easter Island
Places visited: Lima · Machu Picchu · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Santiago and the vineyards · Easter Island
15 days from £5,930
Signature Peru and Colombia – Andean Wonders to the Caribbean Coast
Places visited: Lima · Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · Bogota · Coffee Region (Zona Cafetera) · Medellin · Cartagena · Caribbean coast and islands
20 days from £6,030
Signature Peru: Classic highlights of Peru
Places visited: Lima · Arequipa and Colca Canyon · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · Cusco · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side
15 days from £3,940
Treasures of Peru: The archaeological riches of the north
Places visited: Lima · Northern Peru
15 days from £4,600
Value Galapagos and Peru
Places visited: Lima · Cusco · Machu Picchu · Sacred Valley of the Incas
13 days from £4,930
Value Peru: Sacred Valley of the Incas to Lake Titicaca
Places visited: Cusco · Sacred Valley of the Incas · Machu Picchu · Lima · Lake Titicaca – Peruvian side
12 days from £1,950
FAQs about visiting Lima
Lima is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to visit Lima?
A cold Pacific current puts the kibosh on the tropical climate you might expect and a chilly mist hovers over the city May-Nov. But as this is the best time to visit the Andes, you may have to visit Lima at this time. In the southern summer the sun breaks through, happy limeños spill out onto the pavement bars, ice cream parlours and beaches.
- What language is spoken in Lima?
The main language spoken in Lima is Spanish.
- What currency do I need in Lima?
The Peruvian Nuevo Sol is the main currency used in Lima. Notes in local currency or US dollars can be withdrawn from the many ATMs using a UK credit or debit card. Numerous money exchange offices exchange US dollars cash (few accept euros or sterling and the rate may be poor).
- What is the time difference between Lima and the UK?
The time difference between Lima and the UK is GMT -5 hours.
- What does a visit to Lima combine with?
The pre-Columbian adobe ruins of a ceremonial centre at Pachacamac in the desert just 31 km south of Lima; Paracas National Park, 214 km (3-4 hours’ drive) down the coast, for the Ballestas Islands “mini-Galápagos” Nature Reserve; the Moche pyramids at Chan Chan, near Trujillo, 561 km (8 hours on the Pan American Highway or 1 hour by air); Cajamarca, charming Andean colonial town, 856km, (12 hours by scenic road or 90 mins by air).
- How long does it take to fly to Lima from the UK?
Average flight time to Lima is 12.5 hours. There is a direct flight from London Gatwick to Lima. Popular non-direct routes to Lima involve a change of plane in Amsterdam, Paris or Madrid.
- What key events are there in Lima?
Gran Serenata: Live music in the Plaza de Armas on 17 Jan to celebrate the city’s foundation.
Semana Santa, Easter. Many religious processions.
Peru Art Week: Annually in May. Museums, art galleries and open air exhibitions in Barranco, Miraflores and San Isidro welcome visitors. Independence Day (Fiestas Patrias): 28 Jul annually: celebrated in plazas and parks throughout the city centre, with music and fireworks in the main plaza the evening before. On the final day a Great Military Parade takes place on either Avenida Brasil or Avenida De La Peruanidad.
Corpus Christi: Jun. Statues of the Virgin Mary and saints have a day out from their churches and are paraded to the Cathedral.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.
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